The Southside Master Gardeners' Spring Plant Sale will be held at the Halifax Extension Office and Public Library parking area on Saturday, May 1 from 7:30 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. Among the educational exhibits will be a demonstration on the use of herbs, and many herbs and some herbal vinegars will be on sale.

Herbs are well adapted to Southside Virginia and very easy to grow. Generally they require two things "lots of sunshine and good drainage. Herbs can be incorporated right into your landscape beds, as they get along well with shrubs including roses, perennials and annuals. Herbs to try are oregano, rosemary, basil, parsley, sage and thyme. Thyme will often just die back in the hot months and reappear when temperatures cool down.

Growing is only one aspect of the joy of herbs. Harvesting and using for culinary purposes is another treat. Mediterranean herbs--such as tarragon, rosemary, sage, oregano and savory--dry well. Just hang the bundle in an airy, cool, dark place and when the leaves are the consistency of potato chips, store in glass jars in a dark place. Herbs of the Umbelliferae family such as parsley, cilantro, basil and dill do better with freezing. Wash, pat dry and freeze in zip seal bags. Break off a piece as needed. Herbs from your garden can enhance flavor in any dish!

Herbs have been used medically back to the earliest times. Many of our modern medicines have roots in herbal lore. Veterinarians servicing organic milk producers have come full circle. In accordance with certified organic requirements many medicines are not to be used so organic vets have started finding help with herbal remedies. Using herbs medicinally should not be taken lightly, just because it is an herb does not mean that it is safe. You should never attempt to self-medicate and always discuss herbal treatments with your physician. The herbal demonstration at the Southside Master Gardener plant sale will include how to make simple medicinal remedies, how to make herbal vinegars, how to dry herbs and how to make fire starters. Experienced herb lovers will be on hand to answer your questions.

The May 1st Plant Sale will include a wide range of plants-- vegetables, annuals, perennials, herbs and houseplants. New to the sale this year are garden accessories, such as bluebird houses, tobacco sticks, bamboo poles, painted flowerpots, composted manure, soil test kits,
decorative rocks and driftwood. Southside Master Gardeners, in conjunction with the Halifax Improvement Council, are also offering Earth Savvy multi- use green bags as a not-for-profit project for only $1 each. Other interesting and helpful demonstrations are rain barrels, hypertufa, vermiculture composting, tool sharpening, and shiitake mushroom logs. Each will include informative handouts and the opportunity to sign up for related classes. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions throughout the morning.